Electrical switching mechanism



April 7, 1931. c. F. CAPELL 1,800,053

ELECTRICAL SWI TCHI NG MECHANI SM Filed April 4, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet lkl q K INVENTOR. Carl FCapel,

A TTORNE Y.

Apnl 7, 1931. c. F. CAPELL ELECTRICAL SWITCHING MECHANISM Filed April 4,1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1, 11"""llllll INVENTOR. Carl F Cal/p656,

A TTORNEY.

CARL F. CAPELL, on SANTA MONICA, CAL

thereof durable, strong,

Patented Apr. 7, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HERBERT CUTLER IFORNIA, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-FOURTH TO BEOWNQOF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICALSWITCHING MECHANISM Application filed April 4, 1929. Serial No. 352,519.

This invention relates to an electrical switching mechanism for openingand closing the lighting circuit for the illuminable means ofoscillatory signalling elements employed in connection with suctionoperated signalling devices of that type for projecting and retractingthe signalling elements with respect to the sides of the body of a motorvehicle to conspicuously indicate, during the day or night when'occasionrequires to the drivers of vehicles approaching from the front and rearthe direction of turn, thereby reducing the possibility of accidents orcollisions to a minimum, and the invention has for its object toprovide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an electrical switchingmechanism for a normally open lighting circuit and having as a partthereof a reciprocatory circuit closing means acting to close thelighting circuit when the signalling element is projected to signallingindicating position and with said circuit closing, means carried by theprojecting and retracting means for the signalling element.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, a switching mechanism for the purpose referred toincluding means'whereby the circuit is maintained closed during theperiod that the signalling element has been projected to and position. 7

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set held signalling indicating forth, an-electricalswitching mechanism for a normally open lighting circuit for asignalling element and which has the parts capable of being readilyinstalled with respect to an apparatus of the type referred to, andthoroughly efficient in its use and for the purpose intended therefor.

With the foregoing and other objects in view the invention consists ofthe novel con-' a struction, combination and arrangement of parts ashereinafter more specifically described, and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention,but itis to be understood that changes, variations and modifications Inthe drawings wherein like reference characters denote correspondingthroughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a rear elevation of a suction operated signalling apparatusshowing the installation therewith of a pair of electrical switchingmechanisms in accordance with this invention for normally open lightingcircuits. I

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in horizontal section of the apparatus,illustrating parts of an electrical switching mechanism, in accordancewith this invention for a lighting circuit and further showing asignalling element in retracted position.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary detail in horizontal section of the apparatus,upon an enlarged scale and further showing parts of the switchingmechanism, in accordance with this invention for a normally openlighting circuit.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section of the apparatus,upon an enlarged scale and illustrating the signalling element inretracted position and further showing parts of the switching mechanismin accordance with this invention for a lighting circuit.

Figure '5 is a section on line Figure 6 is a pander ring.

A switching mechanism, in accordance with this invention, for anormallyopen lighting circuit is designed primarily for use in connection withthe type of suction operated signalling apparatus as disclosed in myapplication Serial No. 348,852, filed March 21, 1929, and in such formof apparatus the signalling elements are to be suspendingly supported,preferably at the forward end of the opposite side of the body of avehicle in close proximity to the top of the latter, and when one isselected to indicate direction of travel or turn it is shifted laterallyfrom and is held for the desired period a substantial distance from oneside of the vehicle body. The active signalling element, when inprojected position is readparts ily visible, drivers of motor vehiclesapproaching from either day or night, by the the'front and rear, thusreducing accidents to a minimum. The signalling element when I pro ectedto active position is illuminated and tracted'movement the lightingcircuit be comes open whereby thelamp of the signal ling. element is putout and illumination of the signalling element is discontinued. Thedrawingi'llustrates the apparatus as including two signalling elements,and associated with each is a switching mechanism for a normally openlighting circuit for the lamp of: such element. The switching mechanismsare selectively closed. As both circuits are formed of like p arts, butone will be described as the description of one will apply to the other.,Each s gnalling element has an independent mechanism for projecting andretracting it.

' 1, 2 and each The signalling elements are indicated at is providedwith a signalling indication at its front and rear. The element 1 hasthe indication L as at 3 to designate left turn andthe element 2 has theindication R as at'4 to designate right tur The construction andarrangement of the signalling elementszare specifically set forth in myapplication referred to, but it is thought advisable; to define each ofsaid elements as provided with a cylindrical head 5, which is hollow andclosed at itsouterend as at 6, a tubular neck 7 which opens at its upperend into the head and a casing 8 with which the neck Y is integral withthe top thereof and such I tophas on opening 9 which registers with theneck 7. p a H Within the casing 8 is a lamp holder 10 having a socket 11with which the lamp 12is connected 'The bottom of the holder'lO isindicated at 13 and carries the socket 11. The

7 bottom 13 is formed with an opening 14 whichcommunicates'with a recess15 formed at the bottom of the'casing'8. Thepurpose of the I opening 14will be presently The socket 11 extends into the recess 15. The holder10 has its top formed of a pair of oppositely disposed flanges 16, 17having inturned parts 18. The parts 18 of the flanges 16, 17 areoppositely disposed and arranged at inclinations, as well as beingspacedfrom each other to provide a clearance 19 which is arranged in alignmentwith the neck 7.

7 A signalling element is arranged at each referred to.

end of a tubular housing'referred to generally at 48. The housingcomprises a pair of outer sections 49, and an intermediate section 51which is telescoped by the sections 49,

50 and these latter are adjustably connected to the section 51 bythe'retaining devices 52. Each outer section of the tubular housing 48has a projecting and retracting device or mechanism for asignallingelement, and'also provides a chamber forsuch device and with: inthechamber is arrangeda combined guide and abutment for such device andfurther with the guide having means to constitute a contact element forone of the lighting circuits. 1

With reference to Figure 2, the manner in which the outer'sections ofthe tubular housing are set up is clearlyillustrated. Each outer sectionhas its inner end closed by a flanged disk 53, formed with a centralaperture '54 and with a nipple 55 which projects from the forward andrear faces of'the disk 53 and registers with aperture 54.

r The outer end of each outer section of the tubular housing .48 hasextending therein a peripherally threaded, flanged packing gland 56which abuts against the outer edge of such.

section. The gland 56 threadedly engages with threads formed on theinner face of the outer section of the housing. The gland 56 is.

also provided with internal threads as at 57. Threadedly engaging withthe threads 57 is a peripherally threaded flanged collar 58 and theinner diameter of the collar 58 corresponds to the inner diameter of thegland 56 at the innerend 59 of the latter. The flanges of the gland 56and collar 58 are indicated respectivelyat 60, 61,. andsaid flangesabutv when the collar 58 threadedly engages with the gland 56.

The disk 53, in connection with the gland 56 and outer section of thehousing 48 provides a suction chamber 63 for a projecting and retractingdevice or mechanism for a signalling element.

- The said suction operated projecting and retracting device ormechanism for each signailing element is in the form of a piston headand a'piston rod and with the head positionedjin proximity to the innerend of the rod. The said device or mechanism includes a tubular rod 64of material less diameter than the diameter of the chamber 63, but'of adiameter to snugly fit the passageprovided-by the gland 56 andcollar 58.The rod64 normally projects outwardly with respect to the collar .58 andhas the body thereof in proximity to its outer end formed with anopening 66 for a purpose to be presently referred to. The

periphery of the rod 64 at its inner end is threaded and mounted on theforward part of such rear threaded portion, as wellas being securedtherewith is an interiorly threaded collar .66 of insulation materialand of a diameter less than the diameter of the chamber 63.

The collar 66 is formed with a diametrically disposed opening 67 whichregisters with an opening 68 formed in the rod 64. Fixed to the collar66, as well as lapped against the forward face of the latter is aconducting band 69 formed of metallic material. The purpose of theopenings 67, 68 and band 69 will be presently referred to, as they forma part of the switching mechanism. The rod 64 also provides a part ofthe switching mechanism as it is a carrier for a circuit conductor andalso for the band 69 which provides a circuit closing means for the normally open lighting circuit. Positioned on the rod 64 rearwardly of thecollar 66 is the piston head of the device or mechanism and which isindicated at 69. The head 69 is not specifically described herein, as itforms no part of the lighting circuit. A full description as to theconstruction and arrangement of the head 69 will be found in myapplication aforesaid. The head 69 does not extend to the rear end ofrod 64, but is spaced therefrom.

The rear end of the rod 64 is closed by a plug 70. Positioned within theouter section of the housing 48, as well as being secured therewith in amanner to be presently referred to is a combined guide and abutmentelement for the bar 64 and such element consists of a sleeve ofinsulation which abuts the inner end of the gland 56. See Figure 4. Thesleeve 80 limits the outward movement of the rod 64 and has meanscoacting with the band 66 to close the lighting circuit. This means willbe presently referred to. The sleeve 80 has its inner diametercorresponding to the inner diameter of the collar 58. The sleeve 80 isof less diameter than the diameter of the chamber 63, and has its innerend provided with a band 81 and with the band crimped, as at 82 againstthe inner end edge of sleeve 80. The band 81 coacts with the band 69 forthe purpose of closing the lighting circuit. The periphery of the sleeve80 is dished out, as at 83 to provide for a clearance for a purpose tobe presently referred to and the body of the sleeve 80 is formed with apair of spaced openings 84, the purpose of which will be hereinafter setforth.

As illustrated the apparatus includes a series of suction lines, one ofwhich is termed the primary suction line and indicated at 85 and theothers of which are termed the secondary or auxiliary suction lines andindicated at 86, 87 and 88. The line 86 has a T extension 89 and one ofthe branches, as indicated at'90 leads to the nipple 55 which associateswith the outer section 49 of the housing 48 and the other branch 91leads to the nipple 54 which associates with the outer section 50 of thehousing 48. The auxiliary line 87'associates with the outer section 49of the housing 48 and the auxiliary line 88 associates with the outersection 50 of the housing 48. Thesuction lines 85, 86, 87 and 88 areconnected to a common head 92 therefor, operated by a control lever 93.The head 92 is mounted in a casing 94, which is detachably connected bythe clamping device 95, to the steering post 96 of the vehicle. Thehousing 94, head 92 and control lever 93 form elements of a controllingdevice for the purpose of selectively operating the signalling elements,and such controlling device is specifically described and claimed in myapplication aforesaid. The controlling device provides means forselectively operating the signalling elements to and from projectedposition.

The primary suction line 85 leads from the intake manifold 97 of theengine 98 of the motor vehicle. Each outer section of the tubularhousing 48 has connected therewith a tubular terminal or binding post.The said terminals or binding posts project laterally from such outersections of the housing and as they are of like construction and arrangement, but one will be described as the description of one will apply tothe other. A tubular binding post is designated 102 and is pt ripherallythreaded. It is formed from a metallic tubing of the desired length anddiameter and extends through an opening 103 provided in an outer sectionof the tubular housing 48. See Figure 3.

The inner end of the tube 102 engages in a nut 104. Interposed betweenthe nut 104 and inner face of the housing section is an insulationwasher 105. Mounted on the tube 102 and bearing against the outer faceof the housing section is an insulation washer 106. Positioned againstthe washer 106 is a washer 107, and bearing against the washer 107 is anut 108 which threadedly engages with the tube 102 and in connectionwith the nut 104 fixedly connects the tube 102 to the housing section.

Positioned against the nut 108 and surrounding the tube 102 is theterminal 109 of an electrical conductor 110 which leads from anelectrical source 111, the latter being the battery of the motor vehicleor car. The electrical conductor which associates with the outer section50 of the housing 48 is indicated at 110, whereas the electricalconductor which associates with the outer section 49 of the housing 48is designated 111. Both conductors referred to lead from the source 111to the outer housing sections, or rather to the tubular terminals 103carried by said housing sections.

Secured to the nut 104 is a resilient conductor 112 and the latter isalso secured to the band 81 fixed on the sleeve 80. The resilientconductor 112 is positioned in the cut out portion 83. The conductor 112has an opening 113 which registers with the opening provided by the tube102 which provides 68, 67 and electrically connected to the band- 69 isa circuit conductor 115 which is arranged within, carried by andprojects from the rod 64:. The circuit conductor 115' extendsdownthrough the head6 and neck 7 of signalling element and into thecasing 8, through the clearance 19, downthrough the opening 14 in thebottom 13 of the holder 10 and is i electrically connected with the lamp12.

Astwo signalling elements are employed, a normally open lightlng circultis used in connection with each element.

' closedwhen'a band 69 contacts with a band battery by conductor toterminal 109,

81 and remains closed as long as the bands arein contact, one circuitbeing from the tube 102, conductor 112, band 81, band 69, circuitconductor to lamp and then to ground. The other circuit would .be thesame with the exception that circuit conductor 111 would be employed inlieu of conductor 110. p

In Figure 6 an expander ring 116 is shown and which forms a part ofpiston head 69.

The-bands 69 and 81 are clear of contact with the outer housing section.The reracting and projecting device or mechanism for a signallingelement provides a reciprocatory circuit closer for the lighting cir-=cult. Each slgnallmg element has its head 6 pivotally suspended from theouter end of therod 64, as at 117. The head 5 is of greater diameterthan the rod 64: and by this arrangement whenthe signalling element isprojected it will be oscillated on the end of the rod from the movementof the vehicle.

Iowever, the oscillatory movement of the head 5 will be arrested ineither direction by rod 64. When the signalling element is retracted thehead 5 abuts against the flange of the collar 58 and the signallingelement is prevented from oscillating. The reciprocatorymovement of thesignalling element projecting and retracting device is due to suction,which, when applied through auxih iary line 87 or 88 provides for theoutwardmovement of such mechanism or rod 64 and when applied throughline 86 causes the re-v tracting of the rodfi i. a

' When the rod 64 is caused to move out- A circuit is wardly the band 69will contact with band 81, under such conditions closing the lightingcircuit and with the sleeve '80 acting as an abutment to arrest theoutward movement of the rod. Then the movement of the rod 64 is arrestedthe signalling element has been movedlaterally to the desired extent forsignalling indication purposes and will be maintained in such positionas long as suction is applied through auxiliary line 87 or 88. r

Owing to the manner of setting up the circuit conductor 115 it is housedwithin the rod 64 and signalling element and under such conditionscannot be tampered with or it is liable to become separated from rod-64and signalling element.

t is thought the many advantages of an electrical switching mechanismfor a lighting circuit for the purpose set forth and in accordance withthis invention can be readily V understood, and although the preferredembodiment of the invention is as illustrated and described, yet it isto be understood that changes in the details of construction can be hadwhich fall within the scope or" the invention as claimed. 7

Vihat I claim is z- 1. An electricalswitching mechanism for a normallyopenlightingcircuit for a signaliing element comprising a tubularcasing, a reciprocatory, tubular rod adapted to have its outer endconnected to a signalling element, said rod mounted in and projectablefrom said casing and having fixed thereto near its inner end a circuitcloser, a conductor mounted in said rod, electrically connected withsaid closer and adapted to be electrically connected with the signallingelement, a stationary, tubular abutment arranged within said casing andthrough which travels said rod, a contact fixed to the inner end of theabutment and positioned in the path of said circuit closer and adaptedby the latter for closing such circuit, a stationary terminal connectedtoand extending into said casing, a conductor attached to the inner endof said terminal and fixed to said stationary contact exteriorly of saidabutment, and said abutment limiting the outward movement of said rod. 7I

2. An electrical switch mechanism for a normally open lighting circuitfor a signal ling element comprising a tubular casing, a reciprocatory,tubular rod adapted to have its outer end connectedto the signallingelement, said rod mounted in and projectable from said casing and havingfixed thereto,

near its inner end, a circuit closer, a conductor mounted in said rod,electrically connected to said closer and adapted to be electricallyconnected to the signalling element, a stationary, tubular abutment arrangedfwithin said casing and through which travels said rod, a contactfixed to the a tor mounted in said rod,

inner end of the abutment and positioned in the path of said circuitcloser and adapted to be engaged by the latter for closing such circuit,a stationary terminal connected to and extending into said casing, and aconductor attached to the inner end of said terminal and fixed to saidstationary contact exteriorly of said abutment, said abutment limitingthe outward movement of said rod, said abutment provided with apertures,and a yoke shaped spring extending into said apertures and bearingagainst said casing and providing a ground connect-ion.

3. An electrical switching mechanism for a normally open lightingcircuit for a signalling element comprising a tubular casing, areciprocatory, tubular rod adapted to have its outer end connected tothe signalling element, said rod mounted in and project-able from saidcasing and having fixed thereto, near its inner end, a circuit closer, aconducelectrically connected to said closer and adapted to beelectrically connected to the signalling element, a stationary, tubularabutment arranged within said casing and through which travels said rod,a contact fixed to the inner end of the abutment and positioned in thepath of said circuit closer and adapted to be engaged by the latter forclosing such circuit, a stationary terminal connected to and extendinginto said casing, a. conductor attached to the inner end of saidterminal and fixed to said stationary contact exteriorly of saidabutment, said abutment limiting the outward movement of said rod, saidabutment provided with apertures, and a yokeshaped spring extending intosaid apertures, bearing against said casing and providing a groundconnection, said abutment having its periphery cut away to provide aclearance for the inner end of said terminal and the portion of theconductor attached to the terminal.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature hereto.

CARL F. CAPELL.

